The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek Testing Services has signed an agreement with COMTEST, a Russian telecom testing and certification organization.

The agreement will allow ETL SEMKO to assist cable manufacturers and others with the complicated application process when they wish to export telecom products to Russia and conduct telecom product safety, electromagnetic compatibility and some performance tests required for Russian market-entry. Products determined to be in compliance with the required standards and other documents will be granted an Electrosviaz Certificate issued by the Ministry of Communications for the Russian Federation. This MRA provides ETL SEMKO customers with the ability to tap into opportunities afforded by the Russian telecom markets with greater ease.

"Complex market-entry requirements and language barriers often make it difficult to work with testing and certification organizations across the pond and are contributing factors to why many Eastern European markets are still relatively untapped by North American telecom manufacturers," says Irina Rashfal, ETL SEMKO manager of international certification programs. "With a population of more than 148 million and many companies licensed to provide communications services in Russia, telecom products are certainly in demand there. Now, our customers can use their local ETL SEMKO testing lab to break into this market."

Products covered under the scope of the COMTEST agreement include equipment for radio and cable systems, cordless communication devices, equipment for cellular/mobile networks and digital and analog transmission systems and components. For more information contact Tricia Gagne at 978-635-8566.